Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-06
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
Week by week, month by month, the
winter dragged by. / went away for
Christmas holidays, but Bridget stayed
behind and spent her Christians alone.
She meant to work hard, she said she
had always had plans for reading logic,
and now was fitting time-and physi-
olocy for teacher might be a useful
science. The little Huxley was well
worn. indeed, when tho month was
over John Stuart Mill opened easily
at any page. and Bridget looked as thin
aud pale and weary as though she had
studied hard for twelve hours a day every
day of every week.
She had never referred to Nerity's last
visit. She never voluntarily spoke Of
him to me. Once or twice questioned
her. but she answered briefly and I'M
willingly.
"Is lie ont OF work still ?" [ asked,
when, one day, L yentured to mention
him.
"Shll," said Bridget; care you bored
with the sameness OF it 2"
at is very hard for him, Bridget" l
said. at is very, very hard. y
as ito" said Bridget.
"Mv heart aches to think OF him.
Think of something else said
Bridget dryly. at is pity your heart
should ache"
After that | asked no more questions.
was sorry for Verify, but | could not
express my sympathy-B-idget had
made il too difficult. ! heard no more
of him for some weeks. Then one al
ternoon I learned by chance what
Bridget was planning for him. We
had come in from school together
in our sitting room, waiting for US,
was a portly, dark-haired, bearded
man. in g clerical coat and white
tie. who came forward eagerly 10
meet Bridget, and took the hand she
cave him in both his own and held It
lmpressivelv. His hands were white
and fat: be smiled at her in a comforta-
bic, we'll pleased way, and ms little
brown eyes looked long and famlllarly
iato hers. Bridget smiled, too-a ner-
vons. half-conciliating but frosty little
emile. Then she released her hand and
,,rnod TO me. She introduced her visit
or-ber cousin, Eustace Powell. He
was suddenly. and for brief space OF
time. overwhelmed with delight at meet
inc nae. and turned again Immediately
to Bridget. His voice was deep, musl-
cal, but complacent.
81 received your letter" he said. 81
have come in person, You see, to answer
il. Own, now, that you thought | should
come"
"No," said Bridget, quickly. g! did
not mean 10 trouble you SO much
thought YOU would write to me.
.'Mv greatest happiness is, as you
know. to be of service TO You, even IN
the smallest matters-cyen in so small 4
matter as THIS. You are beginning to
understand that-to believe that-at
last.
Il knew-if I asked you-you woul d
help me-" said Bridget in low voice.
And she shigcred little and moved
away toward the fire. He followed her.
II was quite the best person to ask,
he said, laughing down at her
Eyes: no one else had friends in
America you lived there so long you
still know people there who haye-who
have influence"
"a few? You must tell me moro
defiEitely-whom is their influence
70 be exerted for? 4 working
man and ont of work that Is
what they all say, you know; they
are all ont Of work Well. emigration
is tho best thing for them. would force
them all to emigrate. The man has in
cumbranccs, suppose that they all
have"
membranes ?" repeated Bridget.
"a family, / mean"
There is one child. That is ALL"
"And n wife ?"
"No. His wife-she is living, but she
left him. She went away from him
two years ago"
"Ah We'll, we must talk this over.
You must tell me how you want me to
help, exactly what you want me to do.
As you know, am only too happy to be
commanded.
Re glanced half round at me as he
spoke, and it seemed 10 me that he
wished to talk alone with Bridget
crossed the room aud went away.
STAYED away long while. expected
to find Bridget alone when | came down
stairs again. But had come minute
too room The sitting.room door opened
as reached it and Bridget and her cou-
SIN stood together just inside the room.
He held her hand in his aud smiled as he
looked down at her.
And | am not to disclose to thi.
lucky protfg5 that it is for your sake
am taking such tender interest in him
will remember" he said complacently,
with mild Amusement.
cit is Of DO importance-but-l wish
it," said Bridget, grayely.
"Your wish is my law, you know
Yes, he shall have his passage. will
see him tonight and | will write tC
New York-to the Magills-about him
He may think himself lucky. No, III
not tell him that. He's little-a lit
tic dificult-a little independent, ELI
That's the worst OF your workingmen
But I'm diplomatic /; I'll humor him
He'll not refuse my offer. Refuse it
He'll jump at it I'm proud of my di
plomscy. | always gain my way. Owr
it, Bridget always gain my way-a
last you'll grant that now. Goodbye
And eiterward 1 shall come again to b.
thanked"
"Yes. Goodbye" said Bridget.
She drew long breath OF relief a
tho door shut. She came and sat dowi
on stool by a fire, and sighed again
and shiyered. Presently she looked nj
at me suddenly, her eyes bright will
strange excitement and all her self-con
troll gone.
"Talk, Alice-talk," she said. "Sa,
anything. Talk to me-"